How is phosphine created by life?

As far as we know, on rocky planets such as Venus and Earth, phosphine can only be made by life—whether human or microbe. But phosphine is also made naturally by some species of anaerobic bacteria—organisms that live in the oxygen-starved environments of landfills, marshlands, and even animal guts.

Where is phosphine gas found on Earth?

Venus
An international team of astronomers recently announced the discovery of a rare molecule — phosphine — in the clouds of Venus. On Earth, this gas is only made industrially or by microbes that thrive in oxygen-free environments.

What produces phosphine gas?

Phosphine is formed by the action of a strong base or hot water on white phosphorus or by the reaction of water with calcium phosphide (Ca3P2).

What happened to Venus’s life?

To date, no definitive proof has been found of past or present life on Venus. Theories have decreased significantly since the early 1960s, when spacecraft began studying the planet and it became clear that its environment is extreme compared to Earth’s.

What is phosphine and why is it important?

Phosphine is a constituent of the Earth’s atmosphere at very low and highly variable concentrations. It may contribute significantly to the global phosphorus biochemical cycle.

How is phosphine created in nature?

Abstract: Phosphine (PH 3 ) is a natural gaseous carrier of phosphorus in its biogeochemical cycles, has been found ubiquitously present in the environment. The tentative experiments show that phosphine gas could be produced by aqueous or acid corrosion from phosphorus-containing impurities in iron.

How is phosphine gas made in nature?

Phosphine is formed naturally via the anaerobic decay of phosphorus-containing organic matter. Phosphine is made industrially from white phosphorus by hydrolysis with an alkali metal hydroxide or an aqueous acid–catalyzed disproportionation reaction.

What happens when phosphine reacts with oxygen?

Phosphine, an extremely poisonous and highly reactive gas, will react with oxygen to form tetraphosphorus decaoxide and water.

What is the uses of phosphine gas?

DESCRIPTION: Phosphine is used in the semiconductor industry to introduce phosphorus into silicon crystals . It is also used as a fumigant, a polymerization initiator and as an intermediate for the preparation of several flame retardants. Phosphine has an odor of garlic or decaying fish but is odorless when pure.

Is there microbial life on Venus?

Scientists have speculated that if liquid water existed on its surface before the runaway greenhouse effect heated the planet, microbial life may have formed on Venus, but it may no longer exist.

What happened Venus phosphine?

Phosphine does not exist in the atmosphere. Not a haven for life: Dense clouds surround Venus at an altitude of about 50 to 70 kilometers. Phosphine does not exist in the atmosphere. Venus is not a pleasant place: An extreme greenhouse effect ensures average temperatures of about 460 degrees Celsius on its surface.